Back home, Brady begs his way out of going to a Memorial Day picnic by saying he's sick. Once his parents have left, Brady agonizes over what to do, working through all the possible consequences of going to the police. He worries that Digger is right about his own responsibility for the accident, and says his facing charges for murder would "kill" his parents and cause them a whole slew of practical difficulties: "They wouldn’t be able to face any of the neighbors again. They might even want to move! But how could they? Dad’s work is here, on the river, in the workshop" (116–117).Brady also realizes that speaking up would likely mean losing J.T. and Digger's friendship, as well as earning a reputation as a "snitch" at school (117). He takes Tilly for a walk to clear his head but still doesn't arrive at any satisfying solution, and he begins to think that "Maybe no decision was [his] decision" (117).

Mrs. DiAngelo returns a few days later—without her husband and visibly unhappy. She is, however, impressed by the work Brady did on the boathouse and offers him a bonus. Brady protests, and eventually says he won't be able to continue working for her.